Alun Cochrane: A Show with a Man in it

This Absolute Radio star was nominated for Best Newcomer at the Perrier Awards back in 2004 and since then has popped up on all the panel shows. We like to call Cochrane the ‘everyman philosopher’, because his no-nonsense meditation on everyday things is just plain funny.

Ed Gamble: Lawman

You might’ve seen Ed Gamble’s impressive acting and improv skills at work on E4’s mockumentary series ‘Almost Royal’. He’s a terrific stand-up, too. This year, Gamble’s focusing on his love of rules, and why following them is way cool. Couldn’t agree with you more, Ed.

Get Your Own Back: Live!

Off the telly.

Remember, in the ’90s, when you wanted your teacher to get gunged SO BAD? (Or perhaps you were a teacher hoping not to get gunged?) Now you have a second chance… Dave Benson Phillips is reviving his CBBC gameshow as a chaotic, live action Fringe gameshow, with performers from other Edinburgh shows taking part as the contestants.

Katherine Ryan: Kathbum

If you want to see Katherine Ryan’s brand new show at the Edinburgh Fringe, stop reading this immediately and book a ticket – her run’s pretty much sold out already. This is your first chance to catch ‘Kathbum’ before it heads out on tour this autumn.

Michael Che: Six Stars

Tina Fey, Amy Poehler, Jimmy Fallon, Chevy Chase… They’ve all been anchors of ‘Weekend Update’ – the most famous segment of ‘Saturday Night Live’. The latest name to join that list is Michael Che, a 32-year-old New York native who’s quickly becoming a big deal across The Pond. Che’s in demand over there (he was briefly a correspondent on ‘The Daily Show’, too), so catch him in Edinburgh while you can.

Nina Conti: In Your Face

Off the telly.

Puppets? Who needs puppets when audience members make perfectly good ventriloquist dummies? Conti’s always amusing trick is to strap a mask to her punters and make them her new puppets for some improvised larks.

Paul Sinha: Postcards From the Z List

Fans of teatime TV might recognise Paul Sinha as one of the sardonic ‘chasers’ on ITV game show ‘The Chase’. He’s just as smart a stand-up as he is quizzing champion. This is his first Fringe show for four years. Expect dry opinions and skilfully told stories.

Stewart Lee: A Room With a Stew

Another show that’s a book-right-this-second-if-you-don’t-want-to-be-disappointed deal. Slee’s been workshopping these new routines (that will eventually become the next series of his ‘Comedy Vehicle’) for months and months.

Trevor Noah: Lost in Translation

Just three chances to catch this South African star, and it could be his last trip to Edinburgh for quite a while. Trevor Noah blew us away in 2012 with his Fringe debut, ‘The Racist’. Since then, he’s been making a name for himself in the States, and has now landed a job as host of ‘The Daily Show’, taking over from Jon Stewart. Pretty. Big. Deal.